County to accept energy-saving proposals

By: Eric Poole

Thursday

Aug 30, 2007 at 12:01 AM

NEW CASTLE - Lawrence County is moving forward on a plan to revamp energy use in its three largest buildings.On Tuesday, the county is expected to release a request for proposals on an energy efficiency program. Such a program would include converting to low-energy lighting fixtures and low-use heating and cooling devices at the government center, jail and the Almira Building.

NEW CASTLE - Lawrence County is moving forward on a plan to revamp energy use in its three largest buildings.

On Tuesday, the county is expected to release a request for proposals on an energy efficiency program. Such a program would include converting to low-energy lighting fixtures and low-use heating and cooling devices at the government center, jail and the Almira Building.

The program would be an Act 77 project, which refers to a 2006 state law that allows government entities such as school districts and municipal agencies to increase efficiency and finance the projects for up to 15 years with the savings from using less energy.

Both Ellwood City and Ellwood City Area School District have undertaken Act 77 projects.

Lawrence County Commissioners heard a proposal from Siemens Building Technologies for an Act 77 project in April, when the company examined energy usage at the three largest buildings.

At the time, Larry Godleski of Siemens said the county could save enough money to finance a $700,000 project entirely with the decreased energy costs.

In the past three full years, the county's energy costs have increased 44 percent, from an estimated $350,000 in 2004 to about $503,000 last year.

Companies that submit proposals on a project would include guaranteed savings estimates - if the winning bidder completed a project and the cost decrease turns out to be less than promised, the company would have to pay the difference.

Increases in the per-unit cost of energy would be taken into account for the estimates. For example, the county might decrease its natural gas usage, but its energy costs might still increase if the price for natural gas rises greatly.

In that event, though, commissioners said their costs would go up, but it would go up even more if the county did nothing.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.